ERCOT Territory

Position Type: Contract / Subcontract

Engagement Period: up to to 3 months, or more (short-notice start)

Location: ERCOT-region project sites

Travel Requirement: On-site presence required; rotation across two sites

Reporting To: Head, Project Management / Project Manager

1. Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Commissioning Specialist with deep familiarity with ERCOT grid requirements and interconnection processes. The successful candidate will provide owner-side, on-site technical support during the energization, commissioning, punch-list, and transition-to-operations phases of one or two BESS projects located within the ERCOT footprint.

This is a short-notice engagement. The contractor is expected to be available to mobilize within one to two weeks of contract execution. The engagement may be structured as a direct subcontract to an individual or a subcontracting firm, with markup permitted.

2. Scope of Work

2.1 Pre-Commissioning Support

• Review and help coordinate commissioning plans, test procedures, LOTO procedures, and energization sequences.

• Confirm ERCOT interconnection requirements are satisfied prior to energization.

• Coordinate with the utility, ERCOT, and equipment OEMs to confirm readiness.

• Inspect site readiness: switchgear, inverters, BMS, SCADA/EMS, and protection relays.

• Identify, document, and track open items and punch-list issues that could delay commissioning.

2.2 Energization & Commissioning

• Provide on-site technical oversight during step-by-step energization sequences.

• Reinforce safety-first execution, including strict electrical safe work practices and the enforcement of Stop-Work Authority when required.

• Witness and document site-acceptance-test (SAT) activities.

• Support battery management system (BMS) configuration and validation.

• Verify inverter, PCS, and auxiliary systems are commissioned per OEM requirements.

• Support hands-on troubleshooting of BESS, PCS, EMS/SCADA, HVAC, fire/life safety, and control loop issues.

• Monitor and log key performance data during initial charge/discharge cycles.

• Track documentation gaps and coordinate corrective action owners with the project team to drive resolution.

2.3 ERCOT-Specific Activities

• Support preparation and submission of ERCOT commissioning testing documentation.

• Coordinate nodal protocol compliance and commercial metering requirements.

• Assist with ERCOT resource registration, telemetry, and dispatch testing (as applicable).

• Liaise with the Transmission Service Provider (TSP) for interconnection milestones.

2.4 Documentation & Handoff

• Maintain daily commissioning logs and provide clear daily or weekly updates on site progress and risks.

• Document all test results, deficiencies, and closeout items.

• Support the formal handoff from construction/commissioning to operations, including documentation review and operational readiness checklists.

• Provide a comprehensive close-out commissioning report upon completion of the engagement.

3. Site Logistics

One specialist is expected to support both project sites. The rotation schedule will involve alternating between locations (likely rotating every 1–2 days depending on commissioning priorities, testing schedules, and critical path milestones). The project manager will coordinate the precise schedule in advance.

The contractor is responsible for their own transportation between sites. Reasonable travel expenses (mileage, lodging, per diem) will be reimbursed in accordance with the agreed contract terms.

4. Qualifications Required

• Demonstrated hands-on experience commissioning utility-scale BESS or hybrid renewable-plus-storage projects.

• Proven experience successfully delivering projects within the ERCOT footprint.

• Working knowledge of ERCOT Nodal Protocols, market participation, and interconnection procedures.

• Proficiency with BESS major systems, including BMS, PCS/inverter platforms, and SCADA/EMS systems.

• Familiarity with protection coordination, rigorous LOTO discipline, and medium-voltage switchgear energization.

• Ability to read and interpret one-line diagrams, protection drawings, and commissioning procedures.

• Strong communication skills; ability to interface comfortably with technical field crews (EPCs, OEMs, utilities) as well as owner leadership.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel on short notice.

Preferred

• Experience with relevant OEM platforms (e.g., Tesla Megapack, Fluence, BYD, CATL, SMA, Sungrow, etc.).

• Familiarity with NERC PRC, FAC, or relevant compliance standards.

• Prior experience supporting ERCOT commissioning tests and resource integration milestones.

• OSHA 30 or equivalent electrical safety certification.

• Electrical PE license or equivalent professional certification.

5. Contract & Commercial Terms

This engagement will be structured as a subcontract. Firms and independent contractors are both eligible to respond. The contracting party may mark up the cost of subcontracted resources.

Contract Type: Time & Materials (T&M) or Daily Rate

Expenses: Reimbursable (travel, lodging, per diem) per agreed schedule

Minimum Commitment: 2 weeks

Extension Option: Month-to-month, up to ~3 months total

Markup: Permitted on subcontracted resources

6. How to Respond

To be considered, please provide the following:

• Resume(s) or CV(s) of proposed individual(s).

• Summary of relevant ERCOT BESS commissioning experience.

• Daily or weekly rate (all-in or broken out by labor + expenses).

• Earliest available start date.

• References from similar BESS commissioning engagements (optional but encouraged).

• Given the short-notice requirement, responses will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Early submissions are strongly encouraged.